Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I would ask the senator not to do that. The motion you've just moved is usually in response to an explanation. I'm advised that you did not give my office notice of this, as is the usual practice. I have asked you for the courtesy of responding to you and providing an explanation before you then proceed to the next stage. If you don't wish to provide that courtesy, so be it, but that is a courtesy that has been extended by people at that end of the chamber and by the opposition to governments regularly. I've indicated to you that I will provide an explanation as quickly as I can. If you wish to move that motion, so be it, but it is frankly a lack of courtesy to the chamber and usual practice.